Economist and political strategist Collins Magalasi will remain in custody until September 11, when the court will rule on his bail application.
He appeared before the magistrate’s court on Friday to hear the ruling on his bail application in connection with charges of theft and money-laundering related to the purchase of the Amaryllis Hotel by the Public Service Pension Trust Fund.
Magalasi (L) and Kawonga consult at the court on Friday. | Andrew Via
However, Magalasi has been allowed to access medical treatment at a hospital of his choice following an application by his lawyer Andy Kawonga.
Kawonga told the court that Magalasi had been feeling unwell at the time of his arrest on Monday and had remained unwell until, when he appeared in court.
He said allowing Magalasi to access medical care was in the interest of justice.
But the application was opposed by Senior State Advocate Luckia Cassim Jafali, who described it as a surprise.
Jafali said Magalasi could have provided evidence to the court that he was sick and required medical attention. But senior resident magistrate Shukuran Kumbani ruled in Magalasi’s favour.
Kumbani said, however, that Magalasi should meet the cost of the treatment. If he cannot afford it, he should be allowed to access medical care at a public health facility, as this would be in the interest of justice.
Meanwhile, Kawonga wondered why the State still needs seven days to investigate when six other individuals answering similar charges on Amaryllis Hotel were granted bail.
He has, however, said he would respect the court decision and will wait for the September 11, when the court will attend to both charges levelled against him.
Magalasi and six others, including former State Residences Chief of Staff Prince Kapondamgaga, are accused of obtaining K3.5 billion through the hotel purchase transaction.
He is also accused of aiding another person to hack phone numbers belonging to senior government officials, including President Peter Mutharika.
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